Slidable room assembly

ABSTRACT

A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocatable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by a drive mechanism that includes a pair of cables. A plurality of sheaves, rotatably mounted on the vehicle body about the opening, defines a path for the cable or cables. The drive cables have a double Y-shape whereby each cable has four ends with an end being connected to each corner of the slideout unit. Sliding movement of the slideout unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.10/002,032 filed Nov. 15, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,066, which is acontinuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 09/897,762, filedJul. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,719, which is a continuation ofprior application Ser. No. 09/296,357, filed Apr. 22, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,254,171. Application Ser. Nos. 10/002,032, 09/897,762 and09/296,357 are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a slidable room assembly, particularly to aslidable room assembly for a vehicle having a slideout room orcompartment that is retracted when the vehicle is in motion and may beextended to afford more room when the vehicle is parked. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a slidable room assembly thatincludes an improved mechanism for reciprocation of the slideout unitrelative to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreation vehicles including motor homes, fifth wheel trailers andtravel trailers may be provided with an extendable slideout unit forincreasing the vehicle's living space. This slideout unit may beextended for use when the vehicle is parked and is retracted in atelescoping manner when the vehicle is to be moved.

Prior vehicle slideout installations that include anextension/retraction system that relies on screws or a pinion foreffecting telescoping movement of the slideout unit relative to thevehicle are known. Screws, in particular, must be short for practicalreasons, including the tendency of a longer screw to deflect so that theaxis of the screw is not absolutely straight. This, of course, greatlyimpairs operability of the screw. Pinions must also be comparativelyshort for practical reasons, including excessive weight in a pinion ofgreater length. Since the amplitude of movement of the slideout room orcompartment can be no greater than the length of the screw or pinion,the amplitude of sliding movement, and hence the amount of additionalspace gained by the slideout compartment, is limited.

Other types of slideout installations for vehicles are also known. Onesuch installation employs an endless cable that passes over one pair ofpulleys supported by a main part of a mobile home and a second pair ofpulleys mounted on side walls of an extension part of the mobile home tocause the extension part to reciprocate. Another slideout installationshows an expanding caravan, which also includes a rotatable shaft andtwo types of cables wound therearound. Rotation of the shaft in onedirection causes one type of cable to wind as the other type unwinds,causing a sliding unit a second module to reciprocate in one direction(say outwardly) relative to first module. Rotation of the shaft in theopposite direction causes the second module to move in the oppositedirection (say inwardly relative to the first module).

Presently known room slideout units have various problems.

A major problem is that a slideout room is cantilevered as it isextended. The outer end of the extended slideout room tends to tipdownwardly. This puts weight on the slideout unit's operating mechanism.The cantilevered slideout room also tends to be loose at the top andtight at the bottom. This puts weight on the slideout mechanism, whichin turn impairs slideability and also invites leakage.

Another problem with presently known slideout units is that they requiremodification of the vehicle's underframe, unless the slideout unit is ofsmall size. For example, it may be necessary to cut away a portion ofthe underframe in order to accommodate the operating mechanism of theslideout unit. This impairs the ability of the underframe to support thevehicle by lessening the strength and rigidity of the underframe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a slidable room comprising: two jambs, adapted to be attachedto a vehicle about an opening in the vehicle, each jamb having: aplurality of pulleys thereon; and a drive cable therein, the drive cablecomprising a central section, an interconnecting section extending fromeach end of the central section; and a plurality of room engagingsections extending from a free end of each interconnecting section, afree end of each room engaging section extending around at least onepulley and through the jamb, the central section and at least a portionof the interconnecting sections extending beyond an end of the jamb; aroom, the room being adapted to be inserted into the vehicle opening andbetween the jambs, the free end of the drive cable room engagingsections being attached to the room; and a motor, the central section ofthe drive cable being operatively attached to the motor.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a slidable room comprising: two jambs, adapted to be attachedto a vehicle about an opening in the vehicle, each jamb having: aplurality of pulleys thereon; and a plurality of cables therein, driveends of the cables extending beyond an end of the jamb, room ends of thecables extending through the jamb; a room, the room being adapted to beinserted into the vehicle opening and between the jambs, the room endsof the cables being attached to the room; and a motor, the drive ends ofthe cables being operatively attached to the motor.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a jamb for attachment to a vehicle and for use with a slidableroom adapted to be installed in an opening in the vehicle, the jambcomprising: an elongated jamb member adapted for attachment to thevehicle adjacent the vehicle opening; a plurality of pulleys rotatablyattached to the elongated jamb member; and a drive cable within theelongated jamb member, the drive cable comprising a central section, aninterconnecting section extending from each end of the central section;and two room engaging sections extending from a free end of eachinterconnecting section, a free end of each room engaging sectionextending around at least one pulley and through the jamb, the centralsection and at least a portion of the interconnecting sections extendingbeyond an end of the jamb.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an openingtherein; two jambs, each jamb having: a plurality of pulleys thereon;and a drive cable therein, the drive cable comprising a central section,an interconnecting section extending from each end of the centralsection; and a plurality of room engaging sections extending from a freeend of each interconnecting section, a free end of each room engagingsection extending around at least one pulley and through the jamb, thecentral section and at least a portion of the interconnecting sectionsextending beyond an end of the jamb, the jambs being attached about theopening of the at least one wall; a room inserted into the opening ofthe at least one wall and between the jambs, the room being reciprocablebetween an extended position and a retracted position, the free ends ofthe drive cable room engaging sections being attached to the room; and amotor attached to the at least one wall, the drive cable centralsections being operatively attached to the motor.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a drive mechanism for a slidable room in a vehicle comprising:a pair of cables, each cable having a center section having two ends;and a pair of end sections attached to each center section end, eachcable thereby having a double “Y”-shape.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a drive mechanism for a slidable room in a vehicle comprising:a pair of cables, each cable having a center section having two ends, acentral portion of the center section being chain; and a pair of endsections attached to each center section end, each cable thereby havinga double “Y”-shape, one end section of the pair of end sections beinglonger than the other end section of the pair of end sections.

In a further aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a method of reciprocating a slidable room mounted in a vehiclebetween a retracted position and an extended position, a plurality offlexible drive members being fixedly attached to sides of the slidableroom, the method comprising: pulling on a first set of the flexibledrive members while simultaneously reversing a second set of theflexible drive members to move the slidable room from the retractedposition to the extended position; and pulling on the second set of theflexible drive members while simultaneously reversing the first set ofthe flexible drive members to move the slidable room from the extendedposition to the retracted position.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a method of reciprocating a slidable room mounted in a vehiclebetween a retracted position and an extended position, a plurality ofpairs of flexible members being attached to the slidable room, each pairof flexible members comprising a short flexible member and a longflexible member, the method comprising: pulling on two first pairs offlexible members while simultaneously reversing two second pairs offlexible members to move the slidable room from the retracted positionto the extended position; and pulling on the two second pairs offlexible members while simultaneously reversing the two first pairs offlexible members to move the slidable room from the retracted positionto the extended position.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention, this is accomplishedby providing a method of installing a drive mechanism for reciprocatinga slidable room mounted in a vehicle between a retracted position and anextended position, the method comprising: providing four pairs offlexible drive members, one flexible drive member of each pair beingshorter than the other flexible drive member of the same pair, eachflexible drive member having a first end and a second end; attaching thesecond ends of the first pair of flexible drive members to an outsideportion on a first side of the slidable room; attaching the second endsof the second pair of flexible drive members to an outside portion on asecond side of the slidable room; attaching the second ends of the thirdpair of flexible drive members to an inside portion on the first side ofthe slidable room; and attaching the second ends of the fourth pair offlexible drive members to an inside portion on the second side of theslidable room.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a drive mechanism for reciprocating a slidable room mounted ina vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position, thedrive mechanism comprising: a pair of flexible drive members, each pairof flexible drive members having a first cable and a second cable, thefirst cable being shorter than the second cable; and a driver connectedto each pair of flexible drive members, wherein the driver has two ends,one pair of flexible driver members being connected on one end of thedriver and the other pair of flexible drive members being connected tothe other end of the driver.

In a further aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a jamb for attachment to a vehicle and for use with a slidableroom adapted to be installed in an opening in the vehicle, the jambcomprising: an elongated jamb member adapted for attachment to thevehicle adjacent the vehicle opening, the elongated jamb member havingan upper part and a lower part; a plurality of pulleys rotatablyattached to the elongated jamb member; and two pairs of cables, eachcable extending around at least one pulley and extending outward throughthe elongated jamb member.

In a further aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a drive mechanism for reciprocating a slidable room mounted ina vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position, thedrive mechanism comprising: a pair of drive members, each drive membercomprising a central reciprocable driver having two ends; and a pair offlexible members attached to each central reciprocable driver end, eachdrive member thereby having a double “Y”-shape, the central reciprocabledriver being reciprocable between a first position corresponding to theretracted position and a second position corresponding to the extendedposition.

In another aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an openingtherein; a room inserted into the opening of the at least one wall, theroom being reciprocable between an extended position and a retractedposition; two sets of flexible drive members attached to the room; aplurality of anchors fixedly securing each set of the flexible drivemembers to the room; a driver reciprocating the two sets of flexibledrive members moving the room between the extended position and theretracted position; and a lock preventing movement of the room when theroom is stationary.

In a further aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an openingtherein; a room inserted into the opening of the at least one wall, theroom being reciprocable between an extended position and a retractedposition; two sets of flexible drive members, one set being associatedwith a first side of the room, the other set being associated with anopposite side of the room; a plurality of anchors fixedly securing theflexible drive members to the room, the plurality of anchors comprisingvertically spaced apart anchors fixedly securing each set of flexibledrive members to the room.

In a further aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished byproviding a vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an openingtherein; a room inserted into the opening of the at least one wall, theroom being reciprocable between an extended position and a retractedposition, the room having a first side and a second side parallel to andoffset from the first side; and two sets of flexible drive members, oneset being associated with the first side of the room, the other setbeing associated with the second side of the room, each set of flexibledrive members comprising: two pairs of flexible drive members, twoflexible drive members extending in a first direction along a side ofthe room, two flexible drive members extending along the side of theroom in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a pluralityof anchors fixedly securing the flexible drive members to the room, oneanchor being attached to an upper portion of an inside portion of theside of the room, one anchor being attached to a lower portion of theinside portion of the side of the room, one anchor being attached to anupper portion of an outside portion of the side of the room, and, oneanchor being attached to a lower portion of the outside portion of theroom.

The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the followingdetailed description of the invention when considered in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention will now be described with particular reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a recreational vehicleincorporating slideout units in accordance with the present invention,illustrating the slideout units in the retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recreational vehicle incorporatingslideout units in accordance with the present invention, illustrating aslideout unit that forms a room extension in the extended position;

FIG. 3 is an upper partial perspective view of a recreational vehicleincorporating a slideout unit in accordance with the present invention;wherein a slideout unit forming a room extension is illustrated in theextended position;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a drive mechanism for aslidable room assembly according to a first embodiment of this inventionshowing the drive mechanism in a first or slideout retracted position;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the drive mechanism shownin FIG. 4, showing the drive mechanism in a second or slideout extendedposition;

FIG. 6 is a schematic fragmentary side elevational view of a vehicleaccording to this invention, showing a room slideout unit and thepositions of anchors that secure slideout unit cables to a fixed vehicleframe;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the interior of a slideoutunit in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of thisinvention, showing a cable attachment and anchor and a pair of sheaveson an enlarged scale;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view looking down on a motor used in a firstembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a portion of the interior of aslideable room assembly of this invention, looking up at the undersideof a slideout unit and showing an anchor and a roller for positioningand supporting the slideout unit;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a slideout unitaccording to this invention showing rollers for supporting the slideoutunit and a limit stop for limiting outward movement of the slideoutunit;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the interior of a slideoutunit according to another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a drive mechanism for aslidable room assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,showing the drive mechanism in a first or retracted position;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing details of a vertical jambenclosing the drive cables according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 13B is an enlarged perspective view showing the right side of thedrive mechanism shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 13C is an enlarged perspective view showing the left side of thedrive mechanism shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a drive mechanism for aslidable room assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,showing the drive mechanism in a second or extended position; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a motor for use with the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention relates to avehicle 20 comprising a vehicle body 22 (or base unit or first module)having one or more room slideout units (or second modules) 24 that ishorizontally reciprocable relative to the vehicle body 22 between aretracted (or first) position shown in FIG. 1 and an extended (orsecond) position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The vehicle 20 can be a motorhome, a fifth wheel trailer or a travel trailer. The slideout unit 24,when extended, affords more room or space to the interior of thevehicle. A novel actuation system or drive mechanism (or forcetransmitting mechanism), to be described later is provided forreciprocation of the slideout unit 24. This first slideout unit (roomslideout unit or space-expanding slideout unit) 24, and the drivemechanism for reciprocating the slideout unit 24, together form aslidable room assembly.

The vehicle 20 may alternatively or further comprise one or morereciprocable storage slideout units 26, which may serve as storagecompartments. This second or storage slideout unit 26, shown in a closed(or retracted) position in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be disposed in a lowerportion of a side wall of vehicle body 22. The actuating system or drivemechanism for reciprocating the storage slideout unit 26 may be similarto that used to reciprocate room slideout unit 24, but may be smallerand less powerful (since a storage slideout unit 26 is much lighter thana room slideout unit 24) and may be positioned differently.

A vehicle 20 may have either one or more room slideout units 24, or oneor more storage slideout units 26, or both. Thus, a vehicle 20 may haveone or two storage slideout units 26 but no room slideout unit 24 ifdesired. Also, a vehicle may have either one or two room slideout units24 but no storage slideout unit 26 if desired.

The vehicle 20 may be a self-powered vehicle, such as a recreationalvehicle, or may be a trailer that is adapted to be towed, e.g., by anautomobile or a truck tractor. The vehicle may be one that is designedfor living (as a house trailer), or may be a work vehicle (e.g., amobile library).

In any case, a vehicle 20 according to this invention comprises avehicle body 22 having a plurality of exterior walls, e.g., a roof, afront wall, side walls, and a rear wall. The interior of vehicle body 22also has a floor. Beneath the floor is an underframe (not shown) forsupporting the vehicle body 22; the underframe may be conventional. Atleast one of the exterior walls, here shown as the left side wall 30,has an opening 32 therein for receiving the first reciprocable slideoutunit 24. The opening 32 in the left side 30 of vehicle body 22 ispreferably rectangular, as shown, and has a perimeter that includeshorizontal top and bottom edges and vertical side edges. A fixed framemember 34, which may be metallic or rigid composite in its preferredform, encircles the perimeter of the opening 32. Each of the side walls30 (only the left side wall is shown) has a lower portion or skirt 36,which is disposed below the floor of vehicle 20 and which terminates ina lower edge 37. One or both side wails 30 may have an opening 38, whichis preferably rectangular, for receiving storage slideout unit 26. Theremay be any number of such openings 38 equal to the number of storageslideout units 26. These openings 38 may be in any location. Opening 38preferably extends to the lower edge 37 of the side wall 30.

Both slideout units 24 and 26 should always be retracted, as shown inFIG. 1, when the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is parked orstationary, the room slideout unit 24 may be slid to the extendedposition shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to afford additional room in theinterior of the vehicle. Similarly the storage slideout unit 26 may beopened (i.e., moved to extended position) when the vehicle is at rest.

The room slideout unit 24 has the same cross-sectional shape as theopening 32 in the vehicle body 22, i.e., rectangular in the preferredembodiment shown. The slideout unit 24 may comprise a floor 40, aceiling 42, left and right side walls 44 and 46, respectively (as seenfrom the interior of vehicle 20 looking out), and a forward or outsidewall 48. The forward or outside wall 48 of the slideout unit 24 issubstantially coincident with (and spaced slightly outwardly from) theleft side wall 30 of the vehicle body 22 when the slideout unit 24 isretracted (FIG. 1), and is parallel to and spaced outwardly from thevehicle body side wall 30 when the slideout unit 24 is extended (FIG.2). As described, the left side wall 44 of the slideout unit 24 isdisposed in a rearward direction of the vehicle body 22, and the rightside wall 46 of the slideout unit 24 is disposed in a forward directionof the vehicle body. The spacing between opposite side walls 44 and 46(which are respective left and right hand walls) is just slightly lessthan the width of the opening 32 in the vehicle body 22, to affordenough clearance for sliding movement of the slideout unit 24 whileminimizing the intrusion of the elements such as wind and rain. The sizeof the forward or outer wall 48 can be just slightly greater than thesize of the vehicle body opening 32. In this manner, the edges of theforward wall 48 overlie the fixed frame member 34 on the vehicle body 22as an aid in maintaining a good seal when the slideout unit isretracted. Seals (not shown) extending around the perimeter of opening22 may be provided.

The room slideout unit 24 may be provided with windows in the forwardand side walls, as shown, particularly when the vehicle is used as arecreational vehicle or house trailer.

Opening and closing movements of either the first or second slideoutunits or compartments 24 and 26 can be accomplished either manually orwith a power assist, as will be described later. One of the slideoutunits can be powered and the other (say storage slideout unit 26) can bemanually operated if desired. In certain embodiments (i.e., when manualoperation is desired), handles 50 may be provided on the front wall ofthe slideout unit 24, so that the slideout unit can be opened and closedmanually. A lock 52 for room slideout unit 24 may be provided. Such lockshould be provided unless the drive mechanism employs a drive (e.g., aworm drive) that locks the slideout unit 24 in position when it is atrest (whether retracted, extended or in between). Similarly, the storageslideout unit 26 may be provided with a handle 54 for manual operation,and a lock 56.

Either one or more than one space-expanding slideout units 24 may beprovided in a vehicle 20 in accordance with this invention. Ahorizontally reciprocable room slideout unit 24 may be provided in anyof the exterior walls of vehicle 20, e.g., the left side wall 30 asshown, the right side wall, and/or the rear wall of vehicle 20. Two roomslideout units 24, one on each side of the vehicle may be provided. Alsoin accordance with this invention, one may provide a verticallyreciprocable slideout unit in order to expand interior space in avertical direction. The drive mechanism in all cases may be as describedin FIGS. 4, 5 and 13 through 14.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show various force transmission mechanisms (or drivemechanisms) in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention fortransferring force or power from a power input source to a slideoutunit. The power input source may be either manual or motorized, as willbe illustrated hereinafter. In all embodiments, force is transmittedevenly to upper and lower portions and to both sides of the slideoutunit, resulting in smooth, even application of force, so that theslideout unit reciprocates smoothly along its predetermined axis and ina predetermined plane, with no tendency to twist or bind, and withminimum power input required, considering the appreciable weight of atypical slideout unit for a vehicle.

The force transmission systems (or drive mechanisms) illustrated in theembodiments of FIGS. 4 through 10 are shown as on-board systems, whichare mounted on the slideout unit 24 so that the drive mechanism in itsentirety reciprocates with the slideout unit 24. By mounting the entiredrive mechanism on the slideout unit 24, and not on fixed frame 34 orany other member that is part of the vehicle body 22, one canmanufacture the slideout unit 24 and its drive mechanism as a modularunit and ship the modular unit to another site for assembly with orinstallation in a vehicle body 22 having a slideout opening 32 of therequired size.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a drive mechanism, (or force transmissionmechanism) 60 according to a first and preferred embodiment is showndisplaced. This mechanism 60 comprises a pair of flexible, high modulusdrive members, which can be endless cables 62, 64, as shown. Each of thecables 62, 64 comprises a substantial length of strong, flexible cable66 joined at its ends to respective ends of a short length of chain 68(e.g., 48 inches or 1.2 meters). The material forming cable 66 may besteel, nylon, or other strong, flexible high modulus material. The cablematerial can be 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) diameter steel. The short lengths ofchain 68 of the cables 62, 64 engage respective axially spaced first andsecond sets of sprocket teeth of a double sprocket 70. The length ofchain 68 must equal or exceed the sum of the amplitude of reciprocatingmovement of first slideout unit 24 and one-half the circumference ofsprocket 70.

While cables are the preferred drive members (with or without a shortlength of chain 68 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5), other flexible,high modulus drive members, such as v-belts, can also be used. A chainis less desirable than a cable for an entire drive member. The cables orother drive members should be taut at all times, and so a high modulusmaterial should be used. A drive member material that has no tendency tocreep is preferred; if the material does creep, periodic adjustment oftension will be required.

Sprocket 70 may be located in a lower portion of slideout unit 24, justabove the floor 40 and just behind the forward or outside wall 48 of theslideout unit, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 9. Sprocket 70 is mounted ona shaft 72 for rotation therewith, which may be a drive shaft. Shaft 72extends along a center axis Y (see FIG. 4) of slideout unit 24, midwaybetween side walls 44 and 46. Shaft 72 may be a drive shaft of anelectric motor 73, which (when present) may be mounted just above floor40 of the slideout unit 24, close to outside wall 48. Alternatively, aportable motor (which is connected to drive shaft 72 only when theslideout unit 24 is to be moved), a hand crank (which may be connectedto drive shaft 72), or manual power (applied through handles 50) may beused instead of electric motor 73. Whatever form of power input is used,it is advisable to lock the slideout unit in place when it is not inmotion. A worm drive is one means (and a preferred means) foraccomplishing this. The worm drive performs a locking function when theslideout unit 24 is at rest, locking the slideout unit 24 in place (inthe closed position when fully retracted, for example), so that lock 52is not necessary. With other drive mechanisms, locking means (e.g., acam lock, or clamp in the walls of slideout unit 24) must be used toretain the slideout unit 24 in position.

A plurality of anchors 80 are provided for securing the cable drivemembers 62, 64 to fixed frame member 34 of vehicle body 22. Four anchors80, 80 a, 80 b, and 80 c, i.e., two anchors for each cable drive member62, 64, are highly preferred. These anchors 80 are mounted on fixedframe 34 (see FIG. 8) and clamp the cable drive members 62, 64, atspaced points as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. When, four anchors 80, 80 a, 80b and 80 c are used, two anchors 80 and 80 b are disposed in verticallyspaced relationship on one side of room slideout unit 24, and the othertwo anchors 80 a and 80 c are disposed in vertically spaced relationshipon the other side of room slideout unit 24, as may be seen in FIGS. 4through 6. Two anchors 80, 80 a are disposed in an upper portion of roomslideout unit, above the center of mass CM (see FIG. 6) and the othertwo anchors 80 b, 80 c are disposed in a lower portion of room slideoutunit 24, below the center of mass CM.

The reason why at least four anchors 80 are highly preferred may be seenwith reference to FIG. 6. If one uses four anchors 80, 80 a, 80 b and 80c as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, i.e., two anchors 80, 80 a in an upperportion of slideout unit 24, above the center of mass CM thereof, andthe other two anchors 80 b, 80 c in a lower portion of slideout unit 24,below the center of mass CM, force is applied evenly to the slideoutunit 24 so that the slideout unit 24 slides smoothly in a predeterminedpath along its axis of reciprocation Y. This places minimal stress onthe guide means (discussed subsequently) for guiding the slideout unit24. The slideout unit 24 is pulled as it slides. This requires asturdier guide system, one that will support as well as guide slideoutunit 24, than is necessary when four anchors are used. More than fouranchors can be used, but this requires a more complex drive mechanismwithout commensurate benefit. The benefits of this invention are bestobtained with four anchors arranged as described above.

Any device that is capable of securing or clamping a cable 66 (or otherflexible device member) to which body 22 (specifically to frame 34thereof) can be used as an anchor.

Returning now to FIG. 4, drive mechanism 60 further comprises a seriesof sheaves 100. Sheaves 100 are idler wheels that serve as possibleguides for guiding cables 62 and 64. Together with sprocket 70, sheaves100 define the paths of cables 62 and 64.

Other types of guide members can be used when other types of drivemembers, e.g., v-belts or chains, are used instead of cables. The guidemembers may be an adjustable sheave, a sprocket or a pulley, forexample; typically the guide member is a wheel of one sort or another.The type of drive member dictates the preferred form of guide member asis well known.

Sheaves 100 may be of conventional structure, each comprising a groovefor receiving a cable portion 66 of cable 62 or 64. Sheaves 100 arearranged in two sets 102 and 104. A first set 102 disposed along a firstor left (or rearward) side 44 of slideout unit 24, defines (togetherwith sprocket 70) a path for the first cable 62. A second set 104,disposed along a second or right side 46 of slideout unit 24, defines(together with sprocket 70) a path for the second cable 64.

The first set 102 of sheaves 100 comprises four pairs A, B, C and D ofsheaves, and a fifth sheave E, which is a single sheave. The sheaves 100forming the first pair A have a common longitudinal axis (i.e., an axisthat is parallel to the center axis Y and to the side walls 44 and 46 ofthe slideout unit 24). Each of the pairs B, C and D comprises twosheaves having a common transverse axis (i.e., an axis that isperpendicular to the center axis Y and parallel to the forward oroutside wall 48 of the slideout unit). Sheave E also has a transverseaxis. The sheaves 100 forming each pair A, B, C and D are freelyrotatable on their respective shafts and freely rotatable with respectto each other. All sheaves 100 rotate only when slideout unit 24 isbeing moved and are stationary at other times. The two sheaves 100 ofeach pair rotate in opposite directions during movement of slideout unit24, as will be hereinafter explained.

The first pair A of the first set 102 of sheaves 100 is located in alower corner of the slideout unit 24, near the intersection of theslideout unit's floor 40, forward wall 48 and left side wall 44 (that isa rearward side wall relative to vehicle body 22 in the embodimentshown, wherein the slideout unit 24 is on the left side of the vehicle20). The second pair B and third pair C of sheaves 100 are located nearthe slideout unit's ceiling 42, and near the forward and rearward ends,respectively, of the slideout unit 24. The fourth pair D of sheaves 100and the fifth sheave E are preferably located below the floor 40 of theslideout unit 24, along the left side 44 of the unit 24 and near therearward and forward ends, respectively, of the slideout unit.Similarly, sheaves A′ through E′ or the second set 104 are located incorresponding positions adjacent to the right side wall 46 of slideoutunit 24. The positions of the sheaves 100 in both sets 102 and 104 areshown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, and the positions of the sheaves inthe second set 104 may also be seen pictorially in FIG. 7.

The first set 102 of sheaves 100, together with sprocket 70,collectively define a path for the first cable 62. This path comprises aplurality of courses, a through j, each course being defined as asegment of the cable 62 between the sprocket 70 and the first sheave,and between each pair of successive sheaves in the drive train. Startingat the sprocket 70, a first outbound course a extends transversely fromthe sprocket 70 to one of the first pair A of sheaves 100. Successiveoutbound courses b, c, d, and e extend from the first pair A of sheaves100 to the fifth and last sheave E, as shown in FIG. 4. Courses bthrough e are disposed alongside the left side 44 of the slideout unit24. At the fifth and last wheel E, the first cable 62 reversesdirection, and the return path comprises a plurality of courses fthrough i, from the fifth sheave E through the first pair A of sheaves,alongside the left side 44 of the slideout unit 24. Courses b through i(those disposed along the left side 44 of slideout unit 24) collectivelyform a first set of courses. Finally, a return course j extending fromthe first pair of sheaves 100 transversely back to the sprocket 70completes the closed loop through which the first cable 62 moves.

Similarly, a second set 104 of sheaves 100, comprising a first pair A′of sheaves 100 having a longitudinal axis (at the lower right forwardcorner of the slideout unit 24) second through fourth pairs (B′, C′ andD′) of sheaves 100, and a fifth sheave E′, each having a transverseaxis, and, together with the sprocket 70, define a path for the secondcable 64. This path is a mirror image of the path for the first cable 62and comprises courses a′ through j′. Courses b′ through i′ are paralleland adjacent to the right side wall 46 of slideout unit 24 and form asecond set of courses. Those courses a, a′, j and j′, which are parallelto the forward or outside wall 48 of slideout unit 24 (and are thereforeperpendicular to side walls 44 and 46) form a third set of courses. Allof the sheaves 100 in the second set 104 are located near the right hand(or forward) wall 46 of the slideout unit 24.

Sheaves 100 may be rotatably mounted on shafts, which in turn arefixedly secured to a slideout unit frame 110, as shown in FIG. 8. Theslideout unit frame 110 may include a pair of L-shaped frame members112, which are affixed to the floor 40 of slideout unit 24 and whichextend close to respective slideout unit side walls 44 and 46 from aforward end to a rearward end of the slideout unit 24, (i.e.,longitudinally or parallel to axis of reciprocation Y), and a pair oflongitudinally extending channels that are affixed to respectiveL-shaped frame members 112. As a result, the axes of all of the sheaves100 will reciprocate with slideout unit 24, and the sheaves 100themselves will both reciprocate and rotate (as a result of cables 62and 64 passing over the sheaves 100) as the slideout unit 24 isreciprocated.

The slideout frame structure may further include hollow sheaths 116 ofrectangular cross section. These hollow sheaths 116 provide guide tracksfor vertical courses of cables 62 and 64.

Anchors 80 and 80 b are mounted in vertically spaced relationship onfixed frame 34 of which body 22, adjacent on side wall 44 of slideoutunit 24, and engage cable 62 along courses c and f, respectively. (Aswill be noted, c is an outbound course and f is a return course.)Similarly, anchors 80 a and 80 c are mounted in vertically spacedrelationship on fixed frame 34, adjacent to the other side wall 46 ofslideout unit 24, and grip cable 64 along courses c′ and f,respectively.

A plurality of roller assemblies 120 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) may beprovided for smooth reciprocation of slideout unit 24 relative tovehicle body 22. These roller assemblies 120 may include a roller, whichengages the underside of slideout unit floor 40, and which is rotatablymounted in a mounting bracket affixed to the floor of vehicle body 22.If desired, the mounting of roller assemblies 120 can be reversed, sothat the roller assemblies 120 are rotatably mounted in mountingbrackets on the underside of slideout unit floor 40 and engage the floorof which body 22 in rolling relationship. In either case, the rollerassemblies may be located close to side edges of slideout unit floor 40.

The roller assemblies 120 furnish sufficient support for slideout unit24 when four anchors 80, 80 a, 80 b and 80 c are used.

A limit stop 130 (FIG. 11) may be provided to limit outward movement ofthe slideout unit 24.

Sliding movement of the slideout unit 24 may be guided by the cables 62,64. Because these cables are taut and are formed of high modulusmaterial, no additional guiding system is necessary in preferredembodiments employing four anchors. However, guide means, comprising forexample slide blocks can be provided, although not required.

Operation of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of thisinvention will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2,4 and 5.

When a slideout unit 24 of a vehicle is in a first or retractedposition, as shown in FIG. 1, drive mechanism 60 is in a first position,as shown in FIG. 4. The chain portion 68 of each cable 62 and 64 makes aone-half turn around sprocket 70, with most of the remaining length ofthe chain portion disposed on a return course j or j′, with only a verysmall part of each chain 68 disposed along an outbound course a or a′ ofcable 62 or 64. Anchors 80 are disposed along respective courses c, c′,f and f, at distances from respective sheave pairs C, C′, D and D′ thatexceed the amplitude of reciprocatory movement of slideout unit 24.

When it is desired to move slideout unit 24 from the first or retractedposition shown in FIG. 1 to the second or extended position shown inFIG. 2, motor 73 is started by means of a switch (not shown) and iscaused to turn in one direction. Motor 73 drives double sprocket 70,which in turn drives cables 62 and 64 in the direction of the arrows inFIGS. 4 and 5. This causes sheaves 100 (which as previously noted arerotatably mounted on the slideout unit 24) to rotate. The cables 62, 64also move relative to sheaves 100 in the direction of the arrows. Sincecertain courses (c, c′, f and f) of the cables 62 and 64 are secured infixed position relative to the vehicle body 22 by anchors 80, the entireslideout unit 24, including sheaves 100, moves axially along axis Y inthe direction of the arrow as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, until the slideoutunit 24 reaches the outward or extended position shown in FIG. 2. Whenslideout unit 24 is in the extended position shown in FIG. 2, the stateof drive mechanism 60 is as shown in FIG. 5. That is, most of the lengthof chain portion 68 of cables 62 and 64 either engages sprocket 70(extending one-half turn therearound) or extends outwardly alongoutbound courses a and a′ of respective cable 62 and 64, only a smalllength of chain remains along return courses j and j′. Meanwhile,anchors 80 are close to their respective sheave pair C, C′, D and D′.Actually the anchors 80 have stood still while the sheaves 100 havemoved outwardly along axis Y.

To return the slideout unit 24 to the retracted position shown in FIG.1, and the drive mechanism 60 to the state shown in FIG. 4, motor 73 iscaused to turn in the opposite direction, and the cables 62, 64 move inthe direction opposite that shown by the arrows.

The arrangement of sheaves can be inverted from top to bottom, orreversed from forward end 48 to rearward end of the slideout unit 24, orboth, if desired.

When sheaves are inverted from top to bottom, sheave pairs A and A′ aremounted near the ceiling 42 of slideout unit 24, so that the third setof courses of the cable (the courses that cross over from one side ofthe slideout unit to the other, e.g., from left side 44 to right 46 orvice versa), are near the ceiling of the slideout unit. Similarly,sheave pairs D and D′ and sheaves E and E′ would also be disposed nearthe ceiling 42. Sheaves pairs B, B′, C and C′ would be rotatably mountednear the floor 40 of slideout unit 24. This variation may beparticularly desirable when the drive mechanism of this invention isused to reciprocate a storage slideout unit 26 or similar structure.

When the location of all sheave pairs or subsets is reversed fromforward to rearward portion of the slideout unit 24, sheave pair A andA′ are disposed near a rearward end of the slideout unit, and sheavepairs B and B′ and sheaves E and E′ are similarly disposed toward arearward end. Sheave pairs C and C′, and D and D′ would then be locatednear a forward end of the slideout unit.

It is highly desirable both to invert and reverse the positions ofsheaves 100, as described immediately above, when a drive mechanismaccording to this invention is used to effect sliding movement of astorage slideout unit 26.

Instead of continuous or endless cable drive members as shown, one canuse “straight” cables or other drive members, i.e., drive members thathave ends. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, cable 62 can terminate atanchors 80 and 80 b, eliminating courses d and c. Similarly, cable 64can terminate at anchors 80 a and 80 c. The anchors then become endanchors, which may be of one of the structures shown or of otherstructures. Suitable structures are known in the art. Four points ofattachment (at 80, 80 a, 80 b and 80 c) are essential in thismodification.

The drive mechanism is shown as being mounted on the slideout unit ineach of the embodiments illustrated. However, if desired, thismechanism, including the sprocket 70 (where applicable) and the sheaves100 (in all embodiments) may be mounted on fixed frame members that formpart of the vehicle body 22 (or first module). In that case, the anchors80 would be mounted on frame members associated with the slideout unit24 (or second module).

FIGS. 12 through 14 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism (70, 73, 74) and therotatable sheaves 410 are mounted to vehicle body 22 and the anchors 80are attached to the slideout unit 24. As shown in FIG. 13A, the drivecables 404 and sheaves 410 can be enclosed in jambs 401, 402 on eitherside of the opening 32 in the vehicle body 22. Drive cable 404 entersthe top of jamb 402, is directed downward by upper double sheave 410.Drive cable 404 has the shape of a double Y whereby the cable has fourend sections 2, 2 a, 4, 4 a. The remaining sheaves direct the four endsections to the outside upper corner of the slideout unit 24 (endsection 2 a), the upper inside corner of the slideout unit 24 (endsection 4 a), the lower outside corner of the slideout unit 24 (endsection 2) and the lower inside corner of the slideout unit 24 (endsection 4). Preferably, three sets of sheaves 410 are double sheaves andthe middle set of sheaves 410 are single sheaves to provide clearancefor cable separation.

The drive mechanism consists of an electric motor 73 connected to adouble sprocket 70 by a worm gear 74. In addition to changing the axisof rotation, the worm gear 74 also acts as a locking device to hold theslideout 24 in either the extended position (shown in FIG. 14) or theretracted position (shown in FIG. 13). If a worm gear is not used, it ispreferable to provide another mechanism for locking the slideout unit 24in either the extended or retracted positions. FIG. 15 shows a preferredembodiment for motor 73. The motor has been adapted to be manuallydriven. A hex shaped adapter 430 has been connected to the motor topermit manual rotation of the motor by a socket wrench. This permits theslideout 24 to be extended or retracted manually in the event power isnot available for the motor.

In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the motor 73 is not provided andthe slideout unit is only manually driven. This would be used where theslideout unit 24 is a storage unit 26. For such manually driven units,an adapter or handle could be provided on sprocket 70 to permit manualrotation of sprocket 70 to reciprocate the storage unit 26 or thestorage unit could be manually moved by means of handles 50, 54.

FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate the right and left sides of the drivemechanism shown in FIG. 13. Drive cable 404 includes a central sectionthat has a chain or other sprocket engaging section 404 a. Preferably,drive cables 404 non-slippingly engage sprocket 70 to keep the two drivecables 404 synchronized. Without this synchronization, it would bepossible for one side of slideout 24 to move faster or further than theother side. This could result in the slideout 24 becoming cocked orcanted in the opening 32 and possibly becoming jammed in place. The mainsection of the drive cable 404 consists of the chain 404 a and two drivesections 1, 3. Each drive section 1 ultimately connects, via endsections 2, 2 a, to the outside corners of the slideout unit 24 and eachdrive section 3 ultimately connects, via end sections 4, 4 a, to theinside corners of the slideout unit 24.

Directional arrows shown in FIGS. 13, 13B, 13C and 14 show the directionof movement of the cables 404 for extending the slideout unit 24 (FIGS.13, 13B, 13C) or retracting the slideout unit 24 (FIG. 14). Pulling ondrive section 3 (shown in FIG. 13) pulls on end sections 4, 4 a, which,being attached proximate the inside corners of slideout unit 24, pullthe slideout unit from the retracted position to the extended position.Pulling on drive section 1 (shown in FIG. 14) pulls on end section 2, 2a, which, being attached proximate the outside corners of slideout unit24, pull the slideout unit from the extended position to the retractedposition.

The connection point is positioned so that connection 406 will not passover any of the sheaves 410 as the slideout unit 24 is moved between thetwo positions. Drive section 3 extends into end section 4, which isconnected to the lower inside corner of the slideout unit 24. Endsection 4 a, connected to the upper inside corner of the slideout unit24, is attached to drive section 3 by connector 406 at a point betweenthe upper double sheaves 410 and the two single middle sheaves 410.Thus, drive cable 404 has the shape of a two “Y” shaped ends connectedby a central portion. Although drive sections 1, 3 of drive cable 404are shown as extending to corners of slideout unit 24, drive cable 404could be formed by connecting two end sections 2, 2 a to drive section 1(and two end sections 4, 4 a) to drive section 3.

The present invention affords a simple and reliable drive mechanism fora vehicle slideout unit. This drive mechanism is simpler and morereliable than vehicle slide-out drive systems that are presently known.The drive mechanism of the present invention assures that the slideoutunit will advance and retract smoothly and evenly, whether power isapplied manually or with a motor. Because of the simplicity of thepresent drive mechanism, there is less that can go wrong than is thecase with presently known vehicle slideout operating systems.

These and other advantages are obtained in assemblies according to thisinvention.

While the present invention has been described with particular referenceto a vehicle, it will be seen that this invention is also applicable toother structures. Such structures may comprise a base unit (or firstmodule) and a slidable unit (or second module) that is reciprocable inan opening in a wall of the base unit between first and second positionsrelative to the base unit. For example, this invention may be applied toa cabinet: having a wall with one or more openings and comprising one ormore drawers, each of that is slidably mounted in such opening and ismoveable in a reciprocating manner between a closed position and an openposition. In general, this invention is particularly useful for themovement of reciprocating members having substantial weight, as forexample a slideout unit of an automotive vehicle.

While this invention has been described in detail with respect tospecific embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that suchdescription is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope andspirit of this invention.

1. A slidable room comprising: two jambs, adapted to be attached to a vehicle about an opening in the vehicle, each jamb having: a plurality of pulleys thereon; and a drive cable therein, the drive cable comprising a central section, an interconnecting section extending from each end of the central section; and a plurality of room engaging sections extending from a free end of each interconnecting section, a free end of each room engaging section extending around at least one pulley and through the jamb, the central section and at least a portion of the interconnecting sections extending beyond an end of the jamb; a room, the room being adapted to be inserted into the vehicle opening and between the jambs, the free end of the drive cable room engaging sections being attached to the room; and a motor, the central section of the drive cable being operatively attached to the motor.
 2. The slidable room according to claim 1, wherein the drive cable central section comprises a chain, the chain being attached to a sprocket on the motor.
 3. The slidable room according to claim 1, wherein at least four drive cable room engaging section free ends are connected to a left side of the room and at least four drive cable room engaging section free ends are connected to a right side of the room.
 4. The slidable room according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment anchor attached to each drive cable room engaging section free end.
 5. The slidable room according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pulleys comprises a plurality of spaced apart double pulleys.
 6. The slidable room according to claim 1, wherein each drive cable interconnecting section extends around at least one pulley.
 7. The slidable room according to claim 1, wherein one drive cable room engaging section is longer than another drive cable room engaging section attached to the same drive cable interconnecting section.
 8. A slidable room comprising: two jambs, adapted to be attached to a vehicle about an opening in the vehicle, each jamb having: a plurality of pulleys thereon; and a plurality of cables therein, drive ends of the cables extending beyond an end of the jamb, room ends of the cables extending through the jamb; a room, the room being adapted to be inserted into the vehicle opening and between the jambs, the room ends of the cables being attached to the room; and a motor, the drive ends of the cables being operatively attached to the motor.
 9. The slidable room according to claim 8, wherein the drive ends of the cables are connected to one another.
 10. The slidable room according to claim 9, wherein the connection of the drive ends of the cables to one another includes at least a section of chain.
 11. The slidable room according to claim 8, wherein each cable has one drive end and two room ends.
 12. A vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an opening therein; two jambs, each jamb having: a plurality of pulleys thereon; and a drive cable therein, the drive cable comprising a central section, an interconnecting section extending from each end of the central section; and a plurality of room engaging sections extending from a free end of each interconnecting section, a free end of each room engaging section extending around at least one pulley and through the jamb, the central section and at least a portion of the interconnecting sections extending beyond an end of the jamb, the jambs being attached about the opening of the at least one wall; a room inserted into the opening of the at least one wall and between the jambs, the room being reciprocable between an extended position and a retracted position, the free ends of the drive cable room engaging sections being attached to the room; and a motor attached to the at least one wall, the drive cable central sections being operatively attached to the motor.
 13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein two drive cable room engaging section free ends associated with one jamb are vertically spaced from two other drive cable room engaging section free ends associated with the one jamb; and two drive cable room engaging section free ends associated with the one jamb are attached to an outer portion of the room; and two other drive cable room engaging section free ends associated with the one jamb are attached to an inner portion of the room.
 14. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein four drive cable room engaging section free ends are connected to a left side of the room and four drive cable room engaging sections free ends are connected to a right side of the room.
 15. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein each jamb is attached adjacent a vertical edge of the opening.
 16. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein one drive cable room engaging section is longer than the other drive cable room engaging section attached to the same interconnecting section.
 17. A method of reciprocating a slidable room mounted in a vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position, a plurality of flexible drive members being fixedly attached to sides of the slidable room, the method comprising: pulling on a first set of the flexible drive members while simultaneously reversing a second set of the flexible drive members to move the slidable room from the retracted position to the extended position; and pulling on the second set of the flexible drive members while simultaneously reversing the first set of the flexible drive members to move the slidable room from the extended position to the retracted position.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of pulling on a first set of the flexible drive members comprises pulling on shorter cables of the first set of the flexible drive members and simultaneously pulling on longer cables of the first set of the flexible drive members.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of pulling on the second set of the flexible drive members comprises pulling on shorter cables of the second set of the flexible drive members and simultaneously pulling on longer cables of the second set of the flexible drive members.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein each set of the flexible drive members comprises at least two pair of the flexible drive members, and a reciprocating driver is connected to the first pair of the flexible drive members and the second pair of the flexible drive members, the step of pulling on a first set of the flexible drive members comprises reciprocating the reciprocating driver from a first position to a second position, and the step of pulling on a second set of the flexible drive members comprises reciprocating the reciprocating driver from the second position to the first position.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the reciprocating driver comprises a motor and the steps of reciprocating the reciprocating driver from a first position to a second position and reciprocating the reciprocating driver from the second position to the first position comprise rotating the motor.
 22. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: when the slidable room is in the extended position, locking the slidable room to prevent movement of the slidable room; and when the slidable room is in the retracted position, locking the slidable room to prevent movement of the slidable room.
 23. A method of reciprocating a slidable room mounted in a vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position, a plurality of pairs of flexible members being attached to the slidable room, each pair of flexible members comprising a short flexible member and a long flexible member, the method comprising: pulling on two first pairs of flexible members while simultaneously reversing two second pairs of flexible members to move the slidable room from the retracted position to the extended position; and pulling on the two second pairs of flexible members while simultaneously reversing the two first pairs of flexible members to move the slidable room from the retracted position to the extended position.
 24. A vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an opening therein; a room inserted into the opening of the at least one wall, the room being reciprocable between an extended position and a retracted position; two sets of flexible drive members attached to the room, wherein each set comprises two pairs of the flexible drive members; a plurality of anchors fixedly securing each set of the flexible drive members to the room; a driver operatively connected to each pair of the flexible driver members, the driver reciprocating the two sets of flexible drive members moving the room between the extended position and the retracted position; and a lock preventing movement of the room when the room is stationary.
 25. The vehicle according to claim 24, wherein the driver comprises a motor, the motor including the lock.
 26. A vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an opening therein; a room inserted into the opening of the at least one wall, the room being reciprocable between an extended position and a retracted position; two sets of flexible drive members, one set being associated with a first side of the room, the other set being associated with an opposite side of the room, wherein each set comprises two pairs of the flexible drive members operatively connected to a driver; a plurality of anchors fixedly securing the flexible drive members to the room, the plurality of anchors comprising vertically spaced apart anchors fixedly securing each set of flexible drive members to the room.
 27. The vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of anchors further comprises horizontally spaced apart anchors fixedly securing each set of flexible drive members to the room.
 28. The vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of anchors are attached: to upper portions of inside portions of two sides of the room; to upper portions of outside portions of the two sides of the room; to lower portions of the inside portions of the two sides of the room; and to lower portions of the outside portions of the two sides of the room.
 29. A vehicle comprising: at least one wall having an opening therein; a room inserted into the opening of the at least one wall, the room being reciprocable between an extended position and a retracted position, the room having a first side and a second side parallel to and offset from the first side; and two sets of flexible drive members, one set being associated with the first side of the room, the other set being associated with the second side of the room, each set of flexible drive members comprising: two pairs of flexible drive members, two flexible drive members extending in a first direction along a side of the room, two flexible drive members extending along the side of the room in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein each pair of flexible drive members is operatively connected to a driver; and a plurality of anchors fixedly securing the flexible drive members to the room, one anchor being attached to an upper portion of an inside portion of the side of the room, one anchor being attached to a lower portion of the inside portion of the side of the room, one anchor being attached to an upper portion of an outside portion of the side of the room, and, one anchor being attached to a lower portion of the outside portion of the side of the room. 